How to Check Signs of Parkinson's Disease in Your Loved One

Parkinson's Disease is a brain disorder which may cause cognitive decline in seniors. Seniors who cross the age of 65 may fall victim to Parkinson's disease. It may cause problems in speaking, walking, or balance. Home Care shares some ways to check whether your loved one has Parkinson's disease or not. Here are the 7 common things to look out for seniors if they are having trouble in doing everyday tasks.

1. Watch for Tremors in the Hands Or Fingers

One of the most common problems among seniors with Parkinson's disease is tremors. If your loved one's hands shake or tremble while holding a cup, then it may show signs of Parkinson's disease. Seniors may even find it hard to hold a pen. But, often tremors may be the early signs of Parkinson's in seniors.

2. Look out for a Shuffling Gait

Notice if your loved one is trotting or taking full steps while walking on the sidewalk or in the house. A shuffling gait may be a sign of Parkinson's. Seniors with Parkinson's disease may face difficulty in managing their balance. Your loved one may fall forward and walk faster than usual. Observe your loved one when he or she walks to check out the symptoms of shuffling gait.

3. Examine Your Loved One's Posture

Parkinson's disease may cause a bad posture or muscle rigidity. Seniors with Parkinson's disease may lean forward when they are walking or standing. Check whether your loved one has a problem when he or she stands up in front of you.

4. Check for Slowed Or Distorted Movements

Your loved one may have a bad reflex or have trouble standing up from the chair or bed. Parkinson's disease may complicate the mobility of your loved one on a regular basis. If your loved one has Parkinson's disease, then he or she may feel a disturbance in his or her voluntary motion.

5. Check for Speech Disturbances

Most of the seniors with Parkinson's disease may show signs of speech impairment. Your loved one may talk slow or his or her breathing changes when speaking to you. The vocal muscles of seniors with Parkinson's may lack mobility. Seniors may talk in a whisper or soft voice.

6. Watch for Signs of Depression Or Anxiety

Anxiety disorder and depression can be the two major signs of Parkinson's in seniors. Parkinson's disease may affect the area of the brain necessary for mood changes. Your loved one may have irregular episodes of depression and feel isolated.

7. Check for Gastrointestinal Issues

Parkinson's disease may affect the digestive system. It may lead to several digestive problems and difficulty with digestion. Parkinson's disease may cause constipation or incontinence in seniors if it increases. Your loved one may find it hard to swallow food or complain about stomach problems often.

8. See the Doctor

The best way to find out about your loved one's health is to visit a doctor. Write down your loved one's case history or issues he or she had before. The doctor may run a few tests to check signs of Parkinson's disease in your loved one.

If you find it hard to manage your loved one's health every day, then hire a caregiver for him or her. You can find live-in caregivers at respite care service. A live-in caregiver can help you with your Caregiving duties and take excellent care of your loved one.

Teresa Robinson is fun loving and loves to blog. She is a story teller, a foodie and looks forward to anything adventurous. Currently she is working for Home Care Assistance Chandler